Root powers to another ton as England clinch series triumph
JOE Root struck another century as England cruised to an eight-wicket success to seal their first one-day international series victory over India since 2011.
Root and Eoin Morgan’s unbroken third-wicket stand at Headingley was worth 186 — the former reaching three figures as he did at Lord’s on Saturday — as the top-ranked ODI side chased down 257 to record a timely series win ahead of next summer’s World Cup on home soil.
This decider was viewed as a dress rehearsal for the knockout phase of that tournament and England produced a strong collective showing having restricted the tourists to 256 for eight.
Yorkshire duo David Willey and Adil Rashid claimed three wickets apiece on their home ground, with the latter providing the highlight from a viciously spinning delivery that bowled Virat Kohli to stun India’s captain.
Faced with a clearly attainable target, Root and Morgan made respective unbeaten scores of 100 and 88 to see England to 260 for two with 33 balls remaining.
They were aided by the opening pair’s rapid start. Jonny Bairstow’s 30 from 13 balls included seven fours, and the recalled James Vince contributed 27.
Vince, in due to Jason Roy’s injury, will have felt he missed his opportunity having been slow to respond to Root’s call for a single and saw Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s reactions produce a run out that left England 74 for two.
Yet their efforts allowed Root and Morgan to be diligent against spin, with India’s Kuldeep Yadav nullified.
India’s day was epitomised by Root surviving a stumping shout on 69, because bowler Yuzvendra Chahal was guilty of a frontfoot no ball, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar then shelling a simple chance to send Morgan back.
It looked like the balance of the English duo’s partnership would mean neither made three figures, but Root got there with a victory-clinching four that he celebrated with a ‘mic drop’ of his bat.